Le Boréal will sail through silence broken only by the cracking of icebergs, to introduce you to the landscapes of this radiant, virgin land. Here, when the ice breaks up and the granite peaks shed their white mantle for a brief Summer, a spellbinding world of bewitching power and beauty emerges.

Staterooms & Suites

LE BOREAL

Like her sisterships, Le Boréal embodies the subtle alliance between luxury, intimacy and wellbeing which is PONANT’s signature. The elegance of her exterior and interior lines and her intimate size (only 132 staterooms and suites) make this a rare and innovative yacht on the cruise market.

Port of call & excursions

Reykjavik

Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. For a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes, make your way to Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, alarge environmental structure located on ’Oskjuhlið hill. Look out for the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where you can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur. The little shops in these lively streets will entice you to do a bit of shopping. For some relaxation just outside of the city, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.

1 August 2017 – Reykjavik

Arrival 01/08/2017 . Departure 01/08/2017 at 18H00 .

Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. For a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes, make your way to Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, alarge environmental structure located on ’Oskjuhlið hill. Look out for the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where you can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur. The little shops in these lively streets will entice you to do a bit of shopping. For some relaxation just outside of the city, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.

2 August 2017 – At sea

Arrival 02/08/2017 . Departure 02/08/2017 .

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

3 August 2017 – Prins Christian Sund

Arrival 03/08/2017 . Departure 03/08/2017 .

Your ship glides silently towards the Greenland coast, in a setting punctuated by pointed peaks and majestic glaciers… You are on the verge of crossing the Prins Christian Sund, a narrow channel that stretches out and zigzags over some one hundred kilometres between Greenland’s south-east and south-west. Fall under the spell of the primitive beauty of these unique landscapes, including rocky cliffs and waterfalls that are fed by the ice sheet and plunge into the icy waters. Here, bearded seals love to lie on the floating ice to soak up the sunshine. If you are lucky, you may get to witness an aurora borealis, a stunning light show put on by the polar night…

3 August 2017 – Kangerluk Fjord

Arrival 03/08/2017 . Departure 03/08/2017 .

3 August 2017 – Prins Christian Sund

Arrival 03/08/2017 . Departure 03/08/2017 .

Your ship glides silently towards the Greenland coast, in a setting punctuated by pointed peaks and majestic glaciers… You are on the verge of crossing the Prins Christian Sund, a narrow channel that stretches out and zigzags over some one hundred kilometres between Greenland’s south-east and south-west. Fall under the spell of the primitive beauty of these unique landscapes, including rocky cliffs and waterfalls that are fed by the ice sheet and plunge into the icy waters. Here, bearded seals love to lie on the floating ice to soak up the sunshine. If you are lucky, you may get to witness an aurora borealis, a stunning light show put on by the polar night…

4 August 2017 – Narsaq

Arrival 04/08/2017 . Departure 04/08/2017 .

After sailing in the Kangerlluarssuk fjord, discover the town of Narsaq. You will be dazzled by the beauty of the surrounding icebergs − large masses of ice in different shapes and shifting colours. Dominated by lush mountains, this small town is typical of Greenland. It is known for its sheep farming, made possible by the rich, grassy plains to the town’s north. This rather rare activity reflects a past and a technique inherited from the Vikings. Admire the stunning interplay of colours between the multicoloured house facades and the glaciers with their myriad shades of blue, and dive into the Scandinavian history of Narsaq by visiting the local museum. A unique experience.

5 August 2017 – Nuuk

Arrival 05/08/2017 . Departure 05/08/2017 .

When Erik Le Rouge, the exiled Norse chief, landed on the coast of Nuuk, he found a fertile and welcoming land dotted with fjords. He settled there with a group of his former countrymen, and the Norse remained the principal inhabitants until, over a period of 500 years, their population declined and gave way to the Inuit. Nuuk is situated at the mouth of one of the largest networks of fjords in the world, where the waters never freeze. The town spreads gently out towards the Davis Strait and enjoys an historic center that is particularly rich in national heritage. The vivid reds, blues, greens and yellows of the houses are a lively contrast to the somber waters of Greenland and serve to lift the spirits of the locals during the Winter months.

6 August 2017 – Sailing Western Coast of Greenland

Arrival 06/08/2017 . Departure 06/08/2017 .

7 August 2017 – Paul-Émile Victor Base Camp, Eqi Glacier

Arrival 07/08/2017 . Departure 07/08/2017 .

"The most beautiful place in the Arctic" is how Paul-Émile Victor described Greenland, a land of great table icebergs and of towering ice formations calved by the giant glaciers of the polar ice cap. The Eqi Glacier is one of the region’s most impressive sights. Here, the silence is broken only by the roaring and cracking of the ice. It is impossible to know if one is shivering from cold or from the sheer thrill of being here... Imagine the vast outline of a glacier, its translucent crystals glowing with an ice-blue fire in the sunlight. Paul-Émile Victor’s shelter cannot be overlooked; it was from here that the French Polar Expeditions’ anthropological and geographic explorations set off in the 1950s.

7 August 2017 – Ilulissat

Arrival 07/08/2017 . Departure 07/08/2017 .

At the heart of Disko Bay - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Ilulissat Icefjord provides an extraordinary spectacle of almost surreal beauty, with the largest icebergs of the northern hemisphere. The sculptural icebergs continue their timeless journey, shimmering with their eternal light. Vast pieces of ice break off from the bergs and rejoin the inexorable movement of the sea. Close by lies the town of Ilulissat, the region’s principal destination. Encircled by icebergs, it has retained a unique mix of traditional Arctic life, with multicoloured wooden houses, huskies and the leather tanners who still work today using the ancient methods of their ancestors.

8 August 2017 – Ilulissat

Arrival 08/08/2017 . Departure 08/08/2017 .

At the heart of Disko Bay - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Ilulissat Icefjord provides an extraordinary spectacle of almost surreal beauty, with the largest icebergs of the northern hemisphere. The sculptural icebergs continue their timeless journey, shimmering with their eternal light. Vast pieces of ice break off from the bergs and rejoin the inexorable movement of the sea. Close by lies the town of Ilulissat, the region’s principal destination. Encircled by icebergs, it has retained a unique mix of traditional Arctic life, with multicoloured wooden houses, huskies and the leather tanners who still work today using the ancient methods of their ancestors.

9 August 2017 – Evighedsfjorden

Arrival 09/08/2017 . Departure 09/08/2017 .

Your ship glides slowly along the water towards the west coast of Greenland, to enter Evighedsfjorden, just a few kilometres south of Kangerlussuaq. Evighedsfjorden means “the fjord of Eternity”, and for good reason: just when you think you’ve reached the end of this stretch of sea measuring over 100 kilometres in length, it seems to go on forever, as though to bring even more pleasure to those sailing in it. The spectacular scenery ranges from glaciers to tundra with an abundant flora, and jagged cliffs where numerous bird species have taken up residence. Take the time to observe the white-tailed eagles and the colonies of seagulls and black-legged kittiwakes flying overhead in the area.

Kangerlussuaq

Disembarkation 10/08/2017 at 07H00 .

From 1941 to 1992, the town of Kangerlussuaq in Greenland was home to an American military base. Nowadays, thanks to its international airport, it has become a transit point for travellers seeking adventure in the Far North. Located to the north of the Arctic Circle, this town is the starting point of magnificent discoveries surrounded by unspoiled nature. Indeed, just a few dozen kilometres from there it is possible to get close to the Greenland ice sheet, the largest body of ice in the Northern Hemisphere. From Kangerlussuaq, admire also the superb landscapes of tundra in autumnal colours, where Arctic hares, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons and eagles live.

Formalities

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Theme

EXPEDITION

Exploring the world’s extreme regions while enjoying luxury comfort and service: that is the unique Expedition Cruise concept brought to you by Ponant, the world’s leading polar cruise specialist.

Exceptional itineraries

Ponant Expedition cruises take you off the beaten path, for true adventures that are both authentic and refined. We have designed a large number of itineraries just for you, to give you access to exceptional lands all around the globe. From the Arctic to the Antarctic via Alaska, South America or Oceania, each luxury Expedition is the promise of a different and unique cruise experience.

A luxury expedition voyage

No matter which destination you choose, you will always find the same exceptional standards of comfort, service and elegance that have forged Ponant’s reputation. Our sisterships have earned Class Comfort 1 certification and can sail in the world’s most extreme regions, whilst offering an intimate and refined luxury atmosphere and environment. A certain idea of luxury, a way of experiencing cruising... differently.

Discovering the wonders of the world

The hikes, excursions and Zodiac outings organised during your Expedition cruise provide ample opportunity for you to discover the hidden treasures of these regions. With guidance from our experienced naturalists, lecturers and guides, you will be able to approach a rich and unfamiliar wildlife and flora and meet little-known tribes and ethnic groups. On board and on land, our specialists will provide a cultural, historical or geological dimension, and will take great pleasure in answering all of your questions.

Transfer + flight Kangerlussuaq / Paris

Disembarkation day Kangerlussuaq / Paris

Disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq.

Meet and greet by our local agent at the port.

Located 70 km North of the Polar Circle, only 40 km from The Greenland Ice Cap, you can experience midnight sun 24 hours from early May to early August.

Depart from the pier by local bus. You will be travelling through Greenlandic tundra landscape. This track stretches amidst beautiful and still wild scenery. During your visit, a stop might enable you to see musk oxen. Although musk oxen observation is not guaranteed, you have very good chances to view herds of oxen from close by. These animals seem to come directly from prehistory; they were already living when mammoths were pasturing on tundra. This is one of the arctic emblems. You can also enjoy amazing Greenlandic nature and possibly see reindeers.

Bring your binoculars.

Your tour will end with your transfer to the airport for check in.

A late meal will be served on board the plane after take-off.

Your program includes:

Flight Kangerlussuaq / Paris selected by Ponant in economy class, on European airline

Port / airport transfer

Visits and transfers mentioned above

English speaking assistance

Note:

Please be aware that due to local transportation conditions, carry on could be limited on board the buses used for the passengers transfer to the airport (if too large the carry on could be transferred with the main luggage). We recommend the use of a back pack.

Local transportation resources being limited, waiting might be generated

Please note that truck drivers act as guides and tourist infrastructures are very limited in Kangerlussuaq; we have requested the best guides available and we kindly ask you for your understanding in this matter.

REMINDER: we recommend you to take your binoculars to see reindeers, even if not guaranteed to see them in wild nature, it’s often seen.

This is the referral program and the order of visits can be modified.

For passengers in transit in Paris, we recommend to stay one night in Paris after this flight to ensure onward connections.

Important information

Expeditions programs include activities such as Zodiac® outings (often with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes. All this accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides. Calls, landings & zodiac® cruises will depend on weather conditions, position of ice (during polar cruises) and winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time.

Taking into consideration the unusual and exceptional character of expedition itineraries, the calls shown are an indication only. The final route will be confirmed by the Captain and Expedition Leader, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. Their decision will be subject to that of local authorities and the expert pilots present on board during the navigation in polar and /or isolated zones.

Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience. The raw beauty and untouched wilderness offer an unusual chance to experience a place where there is little evidence of human presence. Inevitably, there are some consequences that come with such remoteness: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is highly expensive. Without the necessary medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid for with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe a full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully and be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive.

Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to land in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. You can also bring water-resistant hiking boots. A boots rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises where the stamp “Boots offered” appears

Comfortable pants: classic Winter pants, warm cotton tracksuit

Water-resistant windbreaker over pants - COMPULSORY

Winter pants with water-resistant over pants is the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort suitability of pants are essential

During your cruise

Helicoptere flight over the glacier (2 hours)
08/08/2017

This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise.Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed on-board based on availability.A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour.100 % of total cost will be billed for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.

From the quay, you will get to the airport by coach. The helicopters used are generally Bell 212 with 10 seats each or S-61 Sikorsky with 18 seats.

A helicopter trip in Greenland is an unforgettable experience! On board these helicopters, you will be able to experience the spectacular scenery of Disko Bay and the chance to see the ice fjord and ice cap in the most exclusive way. The ice fjord and the glacier at Ilulissat make up a world-class area of outstanding natural beauty, as a result the fjord was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004. The figures speak for themselves: the glacier is more than 3,000 km2 in area and calves about 40 cubic kilometres of ice every year. The ice from the glaciers thus totally dominates the sea in large parts of Disko Bay and in the sea west of Greenland.

From the air, the big floating icebergs become tiny, white cotton wads on a blue surface. When the helicopter flies above the ice sheet there is an exceptional view of the head of the glacier, where the icebergs are created, and of the enormous expanse of ice. The flight back to Ilulissat takes place at low altitude through the ice fjord, which is densely populated with enormous icebergs.

This excursion will end at the vessel, but you can also visit the city on foot.

This excursion includes a 1-hour flight. Like everywhere else in Greenland, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses and to take a warm sweater and insect repellent. Please be aware that this excursion is obviously completely subject to weather conditions and that the number of seats is limited. The seat assignment will be done by the local pilot. Unfortunately, seats cannot be preassigned.

Glacier Adventure (1 day)
01/08/2017

This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise.

Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed onboard based on availability.

A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour.

This coach tour starts with a visit to Iceland’s first National Park Thingvellir, where the oldest still existing parliament in the world was founded and assembled through centuries in a grandiose landscape. Thingvellir is also very important from a geological point of view.

The route ascends to an elevation of 700m above sea level over Kaldidalur, a valley-like, rocky and barren defile between the snow-capped Ok (1198m) and Langjokull Glacier (1355m). This spectacular glacier is a continuous, solid shield of ice, in places up to 900m in thickness and about 1,000 square kilometers in area, the country’s second biggest field of ice.

Changing transportation and continuing on in heated snow trucks with covered bodyworks into the icy world of the glacier. For the next hour the snow-truck is our “coach” on the glacier as it is suited for traveling around the wonder-world of ice. After returning from this marvelous adventure we have our lunch break at a basic mountain hut.

The route continues into the Borgarfjordur district, visiting the extraordinarily beautiful waterfalls Hraunfossar, and Barnafoss where water emerges in many small falls from beneath a lava field. Drive past Reykholt where the 13th century historian and Prose Edda writer, Snorri Sturluson, lived. Next we stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s mightiest hot spring with high-spouting spurts of boiling water. Continuing over mountain ridges and through pretty lake dotted valleys towards one of the longest fjords of the country, the scenic Hvalfjordur fjord and driving along the shores back to Reykjavik.

We recommend you to wear warm clothes and good walking shoes. This excursion is not recommended for persons suffering from back problems.

Attention: the prices listed at the time of your reservation can be different from those listed in the brochure. These prices can evolve based on availability and the real time rates of the airline companies selected.

Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. Ponant advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations. Ponant specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure. CDP invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.